Former BBC newsreader Michael Buerk brands Liam Payne ‘drugged up, faded, boy band singer’ in rant

Former BBC newsreader Michael Buerk has called the late Liam Payne a “drugged up, faded, boy band singer” in a shock rant.

One Direction star Liam died last Wednesday (October 16) at the age of 31. He fell from his third-floor hotel balcony in Argentina.

Michael, 78, has commented on the tragedy as he slammed the BBC’s coverage of Liam’s de@th.

Former BBC newsreader Michael Buerk has been slammed for his comment about Liam Payne (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Michael Buerk on Liam Payne de@th

Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about how foreign journalism had changed, he said: “There was more of an appetite for seriousness.

What a nasty comment from Michael Buerk.

“It was only last week this programme decided that the most important thing that had happened in the world was that a drugged up, faded, boy band singer had fallen off a balcony.”

He then said: “Even the 10 O’clock News, which is normally good on these things, thought it was the second most important thing that happened in the world.”

Michael called Liam a “drugged up, faded, boy band singer” (Credit: Cover Images)
The comments have left listeners shocked as they shared their thoughts on X.

One person said: “What a nasty comment from Michael Buerk.”

Another wrote: “Michael Buerk branded Liam Payne a ‘drugged up, faded, boy band singer’, good grief what a piece of work he is.”

Someone else added: “That is just so disrespectful. Disgusting.”

Liam’s de@th has affected thousands all over the world (Credit: Cover Images)

Liam Payne’s de@th

Singer Liam‘s de@th was announced last Wednesday. Hundreds of celebrities, thousands of fans and his family spoke out following the tragedy.

His family said in a statement: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

 

His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, shared a tribute this week. She said they had planned to get married next year.

She said in the heartbreaking statement: “Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel.”